Two things are currently dominating our news cycle. One involves the coronavirus. The other is this year’s election. In the case of the coronavirus or COVID-19, our nation is seeing an increase in cases. As far as the election goes, President Trump is seeking another four years whereas candidates such as former Vice President Joe Biden want to replace him.
No matter the topic, no matter what someone approaches you to talk about, find a way to bring it back to Jesus:
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen (Matthew 28:19-20 KJV).
Sure, this portion of Scripture involves Jesus talking to His disciples some 2,000 years ago. However, Paul wrote that all Scripture is given by God for the purposes of instruction, correction, and doctrine (2 Timothy 3:16). When you take that into account, “The Great Commission,” is for every believer.
Think for a moment how much have you talked about the coronavirus in recent days. How much have you discussed the election with a friend, co-worker, family member, or neighbor? Now compare that to how much you’ve told those people about Jesus. Remember, He instructs us to tell others about Him. He never said, ‘unless, of course, you have other big topics to discuss.’
I’m not saying we should avoid discussing current events. It would be very difficult for me to do that, given that I am a news reporter. Still, find a way to mention Jesus in the conversations you have with people. Franklin Graham, CEO of Samaritan’s Purse, is very good at this when he is on a radio or television program. In fact, during a recent discussion on “Washington Watch with Tony Perkins,” Graham was talking about his ministry helping Italy combat coronavirus when Graham said the following:
“We’re going to Italy to help the people that are suffering, the people that are dying, to care for them, but more importantly, we’re there to tell them about God’s Son, Jesus Christ.”
If you need suggestions on how to share Jesus with others, consider using your social media account(s) to invite people to church, share Scripture, etc. I understand that someone out there might say ‘Well, my employer has a policy against that type of thing.’ If that is you, go door-knocking with people from your church (barring a quarantine) to invite people to your church. You could also start a Bible study or write letters inviting people to your church’s worship services (which may or may not be on Facebook Live for the foreseeable future).
In terms of the election, invite people outside primaries or voter registration efforts to your church. Jesus loves people of all political parties or no political parties, and He wants you to spread the word.
Throw out the lifeline across the dark wave;
There is a brother whom someone should save;
Somebody’s brother! Oh, who then will dare
To throw out the lifeline, his peril to share?
Refrain:
Throw out the lifeline! Throw out the lifeline!
Someone is drifting away;
Throw out the lifeline! Throw out the lifeline!
Someone is sinking today.
Throw out the lifeline with hand quick and strong:
Why do you tarry, why linger so long?
See! he is sinking; oh, hasten today
And out with the life boat! Away, then, away!
Throw out the lifeline to danger-fraught men,
Sinking in anguish where you’ve never been;
Winds of temptation and billows of woe
Will soon hurl them out where the dark waters flow.
Soon will the season of rescue be o’er,
Soon will they drift to eternity’s shore;
Haste, then, my brother, no time for delay,
But throw out the lifeline and save them today.
--lyrics from Throw Out The Lifeline by Edwin S. Ufford
